🌱 CPSBB Bulgaria PhD Position 2026 — Plant Biotechnology Researcher (R1) in Tomato & Pepper Metabolomics | European Commission Funded | Salary: €2,100/Month | Master's in Biology, Biochemistry or Related Field Required | Application Deadline: 30 June 2026.
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Application Deadline: 30 June 2026 | CPSBB — Plovdiv, Bulgaria | Send to secretary@cpsbb.eu
🌱 CPSBB Bulgaria — PhD Student in Plant Biotechnology 2026
The Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB) in Plovdiv, Bulgaria — a plant science Center of Excellence — is seeking a motivated PhD student in Plant Biotechnology to work on the NatGenCrop project titled "Employing the natural variation to improve the nutritional properties and stress tolerance in vegetable crops". This is a full-time, fixed-term contract position under the First Stage Researcher (R1) category in professional field 5.11 Biotechnologies.
The research topic focuses on "Natural variation in the tomato and pepper fruit metabolome: an integrated metabolomics-GWAS approach to dissect fruit quality and tolerance to drought, salinity and biotic stress." The project is funded by the European Commission and aims to enhance nutritional properties and stress tolerance in tomatoes and peppers by exploring genetic and phenotypic variations. The successful candidate will join the metabolomics team and receive training in high-throughput mass spectrometry approaches. The application deadline is 30 June 2026.
📊 Position Overview — PhD Student in Plant Biotechnology
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB) |
| Location | 14 "St. Knyaz Boris I - Pokrastitel" Str., Plovdiv 4023, Bulgaria |
| Position | PhD Student in Plant Biotechnology (R1) |
| Project | NatGenCrop — EU Commission Funded |
| Field | Biotechnologies — Metabolomics, GWAS, QTL |
| Contract Type | Full-Time, Fixed-Term |
| Salary | 2,100 EUR Gross/Month (including social contributions) |
| Last Date | 30 June 2026 |
| Apply To | secretary@cpsbb.eu |
🏛️ About CPSBB — Plant Science Center of Excellence
The Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB) is a modern plant science institute located in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. As a Center of Excellence, CPSBB is at the forefront of plant systems biology research, combining cutting-edge genomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics approaches to address fundamental questions in plant science with applications in crop improvement.
CPSBB features a modern campus with growing international reputation, offering researchers access to state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative, international research environment. The institute is funded by the European Commission and hosts several large-scale research projects. CPSBB is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
🔬 About the NatGenCrop Project
The NatGenCrop project — "Employing the natural variation to improve the nutritional properties and stress tolerance in vegetable crops" — is a major European Commission-funded research initiative. The project aims to enhance nutritional properties and stress tolerance in tomatoes and peppers by exploring genetic and phenotypic variations.
Using genetics and genomics approaches like GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Studies) and QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci), the research identifies and characterizes genes linked to high yield and stress tolerance. The project also examines the impact of abiotic stress on fruit quality through metabolic and transcriptomic analyses. The PhD student will join the metabolomics team and contribute to this cutting-edge research. For more details, visit https://natgencrop.com/.
🔬 Research Topic & Responsibilities
Research Topic
Natural variation in the tomato and pepper fruit metabolome: an integrated metabolomics-GWAS approach to dissect fruit quality and tolerance to drought, salinity and biotic stress.
Key Research Activities
- Profile primary metabolites, secondary metabolites, and aroma volatiles across a panel of diverse accessions using high-throughput mass spectrometry.
- Evaluate genotypes under optimal growth conditions and under controlled drought, salinity, and biotic-stress treatments.
- Analyze at defined developmental and postharvest stages.
- Integrate metabolic profiles with existing genomic (GWAS, QTL), transcriptomic, and phenotypic datasets.
- Perform metabolite GWAS / mQTL analyses to identify candidate genes and metabolic biomarkers.
- Highlight fruit flavor, postharvest shelf life, nutritional value, and tolerance to stresses.
🎓 Job Requirements
- Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
- Background in metabolomics, with hands-on experience of LC-MS and GC-MS data analysis.
- Experience working with primary and specialized plant metabolites or protein biochemistry.
- Statistical and bioinformatics skills — for example: multivariate analyses (PCA, PLS-DA, OPLS-DA, hierarchical clustering), univariate testing with multiple-testing correction, and pathway enrichment (KEGG, MetaCyc, PlantCyc).
- Working knowledge of R (MetaboAnalystR, ropls, mixOmics, ggplot2) and/or Python (pandas, scikit-learn) will be an advantage.
- Excellent English presentation and communication skills (written and oral).
📋 Main Responsibilities
- Conduct cutting-edge plant science research related to the NatGenCrop project.
- Participation in other project events and activities.
💰 What They Offer
- Gross salary of 2,100 EUR, including social contributions from the employer and the employee.
- Career development in an internationally competitive research institution.
- Work in a friendly team on a large project funded by the European Commission.
- CPSBB is an equal opportunity employer.
📝 How to Apply — Required Documents
Applicants interested in the position should send the following documents until 30 June 2026:
- Application letter including a statement about why you apply for this position.
- CV including a list of published and accepted publications (if any).
- Contact information, including email addresses, of a minimum of one reference person.
💡 Why Apply — Benefits for Pakistani Researchers
- European Research Excellence: Work at a Center of Excellence in Bulgaria with international recognition.
- Competitive Salary: 2,100 EUR gross/month — attractive for PhD-level researchers.
- EU-Funded Project: Research funded by the European Commission — prestigious and well-resourced.
- Cutting-Edge Techniques: Training in high-throughput mass spectrometry, metabolomics, GWAS, and bioinformatics.
- International Environment: Collaborative, diverse research team with a growing international reputation.
- Career Development: Excellent stepping stone for future academic or industry research careers in plant biotechnology.
- Open to International Applicants: Pakistani researchers with relevant qualifications are eligible to apply.
💡 Expert Tips for CPSBB Applicants
- Apply Early — 30 June Deadline: Submit your application well before the deadline.
- Highlight Metabolomics Experience: Hands-on LC-MS and GC-MS data analysis experience is essential — clearly describe your experience.
- Showcase Bioinformatics Skills: R and/or Python skills are an advantage. Mention specific packages and analyses you've performed.
- Write a Strong Application Letter: Explain why you're applying for this specific position and how your background aligns with the NatGenCrop project goals.
- Single PDF: Combine all documents into one PDF file before sending.
- Provide References: Include contact information for at least one reference person who can speak to your research abilities.
- Proofread Your Application: Excellent English communication skills are required — ensure your application is error-free.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the 30 June Deadline: Late applications will not be considered.
- Multiple PDFs: All documents must be combined into a single PDF file.
- No Metabolomics Experience: Hands-on LC-MS/GC-MS experience is a core requirement.
- Generic Application Letter: Write a specific statement explaining your interest in this particular project and position.
- No References: A minimum of one reference person with contact details is required.
📞 Contact Information
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Apply To | secretary@cpsbb.eu |
| Website | www.cpsbb.eu |
| Project Website | https://natgencrop.com/ |
| Phone | +359 892 286912 |
| Address | 14 "St. Knyaz Boris I - Pokrastitel" Str., Plovdiv 4023, Bulgaria |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the last date to apply?
A: 30 June 2026. - Q: What is the salary?
A: 2,100 EUR gross/month including social contributions. - Q: Where is the position located?
A: Plovdiv, Bulgaria. - Q: What qualification is required?
A: Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or related field. - Q: Is metabolomics experience required?
A: Yes — hands-on LC-MS and GC-MS data analysis experience is essential. - Q: Can Pakistani researchers apply?
A: Yes — the position is open to qualified international applicants. - Q: How do I apply?
A: Send a single PDF with application letter, CV, and references to secretary@cpsbb.eu.
🏁 Final Words
The CPSBB PhD Student in Plant Biotechnology position offers an exceptional opportunity for researchers with a Master's in Biology, Biochemistry, or related fields and hands-on metabolomics experience to join a European Center of Excellence. With a competitive salary of 2,100 EUR/month, training in cutting-edge mass spectrometry and bioinformatics techniques, and participation in an EU-funded project on crop improvement, this position is ideal for aspiring plant scientists. Prepare your application as a single PDF and send to secretary@cpsbb.eu before 30 June 2026. Your journey in international plant science research starts here! 🌱
🌱 Apply Now — CPSBB PhD in Plant Biotechnology 2026! Center of Plant Systems Biology & Biotechnology | Plovdiv, Bulgaria | EU-Funded NatGenCrop Project | Metabolomics & GWAS Research | 2,100 EUR/Month | Full-Time | Master's in Biology/Biochemistry Required | LC-MS/GC-MS Experience Essential | Last Date: 30 June 2026 | Apply at secretary@cpsbb.eu
🌱 CPSBB Website🔬 NatGenCrop Project